Throughout history, traditional Japanese inns are destination experiences that include an evening meal of fine Japanese cuisine, an elaborate breakfast, and the restorative benefits of bathing in an onsen (hot spring).
Zaborin’s dining experience includes the unique and award winning multi-course ‘kita kaiseki’. All Zaborin villas offer the luxury of two private hot spring baths – one indoor and one covered open-air onsen.
Born of a desire to capture the spirit of the ryokan in a new and relevant way, Zaborin combines contemporary Japanese luxury with an extraordinary ryokan experience, together with the heart of Japanese service (omotenashi).
The design is an integral part of re-interpreting the meditative side of a ryokan but bringing with it modern comforts. Internationally recognized and winner of multiple awards (from Japan, Europe and USA), Architect Makoto Nakayama and talented Creative Director Shouya Grigg, have interwoven the old with the new, the perfect with the imperfect, light with shadows and blended it into its natural surroundings. And, unlike the more introspective designs necessary in Japan’s history, Zaborin is not only a part of its surrounding nature but extends the feeling of inclusion with unparalleled views.
A place to sit.
Within Zaborin, the facilities – all of which are available for the exclusive use of our guests – represent the best of Japanese traditions and contemporary luxury living.
— Private Onsens – two in each villa suite
Zaborin’s volcanic spring provides some of the best onsen water in the country. Each villa has its own 2 private baths – one inside and one outside. The free flowing water has had no hot water added to it and its quality is considered one of the best in Japan.
— The Dining Room
Zaborin’s ryokan experience includes the award-winning cuisine of Yoshihiro Seno’s interpretation of our signature kita kaiseki (北懐石). Enjoy the multicourse ‘omakase’(chef’s menu) in the pockets of privacy in our secluded dining room.
— Irori囲炉裏
Originally used for cooking and heating, the Japanese sunken hearth, the irori, is the heart of the home. At Zaborin this is reimagined not only as the physical centre of the ryokan but also enclosed in a separate space away from the views to re-focus internally. Pre-booking for a robatayaki dinner is available.
— Chanoza 茶の坐
Literally ‘tea’s seat’, the chanoza is normally a formal tea room. We hope to demystify this ancient tradition by making it part of the daily movements and flow of the ryokan. Guests are welcome to take a seat and participate the meditative quality of a beautifully brewed cup of Japanese matcha.
— The Living Room
The living room is a place to gather and relax. With floor to ceiling windows and views to Yotei san and our modest lake, the world of nature becomes a living cinema. The pivot point of the Living Room is a double sided open fireplace. One of two such fireplaces on the property, it offers the same cohesion and role of gathering that was played by the traditional ‘irori’.
— The Library
Ranging from Japanese classics in English, to European favourites in Japanese, to poetry and books on nature, the Library is a place to discover a gem of literature. Eclectic films and board games are also complimentary and available for guest use.
— The Bar
The bar is made of one solid piece of wood and facing the majestic ‘Fuji of the North’, Yotei san. Sample the local whiskies, and soak in the view.
— Footbath足湯
Across Japan, there are free public foot baths ‘ashiyu’ for the weary traveller and searching for them can be a pastime on its own. Hidden in plain view in Zaborin’s central courtyard is one such treat. In some winter months, tunnels are carved through the huge snow drifts to a glowing candle-lit retreat for your feet.
— In-house Boutique
Browse a selection of local ceramics, Zaborin soaps and our specially designed ‘samue’, ‘hanten’ jackets and pyjama outfits.
— Cigar Lounge
Our property is a no-smoking area with the exception of the designated smoking terrace at the entrance, and our indoor cigar lounge.
— Massage room
For guests who would like to arrange a massage therapist to visit the ryokan, we can provide you with a double room equipped with 2 massage beds, towels and privacy. Please contact our staff to assist with therapist bookings.
— Individual ski/ golf lockers
For active guests, or guests with multiple coats, private locked lockers are provided.
